Weiskircher and McCaslin post double-doubles

The Kentucky Wildcats showed signs of improvement, but that was not enough as visiting Western Kentucky walked out of Memorial Coliseum with a 3-1 victory Tuesday night. UK (2-8) dominated almost every statistical category, but the Lady Toppers were not to be denied, as they picked up their third win over their in-state rivals in 13 lifetime matches.

WKU (11-3) pounced on Kentucky in the first game, breaking a six-all tie and winning nine of the last 11 points en route to a 15-8 victory. Game two proved to be much of the same as Western took control from the opening point, extending to a 9-3 lead. Kentucky rallied late, but could not overcome its slow start, losing 15-10. The pinpoint serving of WKU posted a total of eight aces and dominated play throughout the first two stanzas.

Kentucky regrouped after intermission and looked impressive as they executed their offensive game plan in game three. UK raced out to a 5-1 lead before the Lady Toppers fought back. The Cats returned the favor by taking eight of the last ten points to win the game, 15-7, and cut Westerns lead in the match to 2-1. UK looked as if it might extend the match to a fifth and deciding game, but WKU put together a string of points and turned the match in their favor. Kentucky made one last comeback attempt, but fell short, losing 15-13.

Once again, Megan Weiskircher and Liz McCaslin led the Cats, as the two standouts posted double-doubles. Weiskircher tallied 15 kills and 12 digs while McCaslin posted 11 kills and 16 digs. It was Weiskirchers fourth double-double of the year, McCaslins second consecutive.

The Cats are currently in the midst of a four-game losing streak as the SEC season begins on Friday.

Kentucky opens conference play on Friday, Sept. 22, when the Mississippi State Bulldogs charge into town. MSU is riding a 10-game winning streak, the longest in school history. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Memorial Coliseum.